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Specification testing for transformation models with an application to generalized accelerated failure-time models

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  • Lewbel, Arthur
  • Lu, Xun
  • Su, Liangjun

Abstract

This paper provides a nonparametric test of the specification of a transformation model. Specifically, we test whether an observable outcome Y is monotonic in the sum of a function of observable covariates X plus an unobservable error U. Transformation models of this form are commonly assumed in economics, including, e.g., standard specifications of duration models and hedonic pricing models. Our test statistic is asymptotically normal under local alternatives and consistent against nonparametric alternatives violating the implied restriction. Monte Carlo experiments show that our test performs well in finite samples. We apply our results to test for specifications of generalized accelerated failure-time (GAFT) models of the duration of strikes.

Suggested Citation

  • Lewbel, Arthur & Lu, Xun & Su, Liangjun, 2015. "Specification testing for transformation models with an application to generalized accelerated failure-time models," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 184(1), pages 81-96.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:econom:v:184:y:2015:i:1:p:81-96
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jeconom.2014.09.008
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    2. Babii, Andrii & Florens, Jean-Pierre, 2017. "Are unobservables separable?," TSE Working Papers 17-802, Toulouse School of Economics (TSE).
    3. Christoph Breunig & Stefan Hoderlein, 2018. "Specification testing in random coefficient models," Quantitative Economics, Econometric Society, vol. 9(3), pages 1371-1417, November.
    4. Huang, Liquan & Khalil, Umair & Yıldız, Neşe, 2019. "Identification and estimation of a triangular model with multiple endogenous variables and insufficiently many instrumental variables," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 208(2), pages 346-366.
    5. Christoph Breunig, 2016. "Specification Testing in Nonparametric Instrumental Quantile Regression," SFB 649 Discussion Papers SFB649DP2016-032, Sonderforschungsbereich 649, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany.
    6. Christoph Breunig, 2019. "Specification Testing in Nonparametric Instrumental Quantile Regression," Papers 1909.10129, arXiv.org.
    7. Su, Liangjun & Ura, Takuya & Zhang, Yichong, 2019. "Non-separable models with high-dimensional data," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 212(2), pages 646-677.
    8. Lin, Yingqian & Tu, Yundong & Yao, Qiwei, 2020. "Estimation for double-nonlinear cointegration," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 216(1), pages 175-191.
    9. Effraimidis, Georgios, 2016. "Nonparametric Identification of a Time-Varying Frailty Model," DaCHE discussion papers 2016:6, University of Southern Denmark, Dache - Danish Centre for Health Economics.
    10. Lin, Yingqian & Tu, Yundong & Yao, Qiwei, 2020. "Estimation for double-nonlinear cointegration," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 103830, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    11. Chiappori, Pierre-André & Komunjer, Ivana & Kristensen, Dennis, 2015. "Nonparametric identification and estimation of transformation models," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 188(1), pages 22-39.
    12. Christoph Breunig & Stefan Hoderlein, 2016. "Nonparametric Specification Testing in Random Parameter Models," Boston College Working Papers in Economics 897, Boston College Department of Economics.
    13. Khalil, Umair & Yıldız, Neşe, 2022. "A test of the selection on observables assumption using a discontinuously distributed covariate," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 226(2), pages 423-450.
    14. Nick Kloodt & Natalie Neumeyer & Ingrid Keilegom, 2021. "Specification testing in semi-parametric transformation models," TEST: An Official Journal of the Spanish Society of Statistics and Operations Research, Springer;Sociedad de Estadística e Investigación Operativa, vol. 30(4), pages 980-1003, December.
    15. Li, Hongjun & Li, Qi & Liu, Ruixuan, 2016. "Consistent model specification tests based on k-nearest-neighbor estimation method," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 194(1), pages 187-202.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Additivity; Control variable; Endogenous variable; Monotonicity; Nonparametric nonseparable model; Hazard model; Specification test; Transformation model; Unobserved heterogeneity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C12 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Hypothesis Testing: General
    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General

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